Nunu Gourmet Chocolates: Irresistible Caramels, Creative Ganaches

CAPSULE REPORT: This Brooklyn chocolatier is not located in the tony neighborhoods of Brooklyn Heights, Cobble Hill or Park Slope—or even in hipster Williamsburg. It occupies a slice of Boreum Hill on the Flatbush border, near the nation’s number-one-grossing Target store. The store opens at 7 a.m. daily. This must be because the caramels, chocolates and other confections are so divine that customers can’t wait! See the full review below. This is Page 5 of a five-page review of artisan chocolatiers. Click on the black links below to visit other pages.

Nunu Chocolates Overview

Some chocolatiers are noted for their ganaches, or the percentage of cacao in their couverture. Nunu Chocolates attracts attention for its luscious caramels (more about them in a moment). But as celestial as they are, there’s so much more to enjoy here—as you’ll see below.

For those curious about the name of the company, chocolatier Justine Pringle grew up in South Africa, where nunu is a term of endearment. The chocolates are more than endearing, though; they’re addictive.

For those concerned about sustainability, the chocolate used is from a family-run plantation in Colombia that practices sustainable farming. It has received official certification for implementing an environmental management system as well as for quality management. That’s a nice plus that makes eating these confections that much sweeter.

The Collection

Float like a butterfly caramel, eat jasmine ganache like a chocoholic. Photo by Katharine Pollak | THE NIBBLE.

Caramels

I know people who declare that they find caramels boring, but it would be impossible to have that opinion of the caramels at Nunu. They represent a range across the caramel spectrum, executed beautifully.

As you might expect, there’s a Salt Caramel, a flattish square dipped in chocolate and garnished with Fleur de Sel. It’s a fine example of a salt caramel—great textures, good contrasts in color and flavor. The caramel melts in your mouth.

But you’ll also discover the Golden Soft Caramel Butterflies in a chocolate shell (see photo above). This caramel is softer, though not liquid; and it’s a darker “roasted” caramel, though not “burnt.” The whole creation is almost too charming to eat. Almost.

Of course, you wouldn’t want to omit the Peanut Caramel Crush. This isn’t what you might expect; it’s a combination of a peanut ganache and a soft dark caramel. “Feel free to order as a main course,” the website advises.

Like more texture with your caramel? Order some Salt Roasted Cashew Caramels; bite into one and you’ll see plenty of those cashews. There’s also a Salted Roast Cashew Caramel Bark.

Who knew caramel had so many aspects to its personality—and that you could enjoy them all in one sitting!

Ganaches

For those whose idea of a great chocolate experience is a box of flavored ganaches, Nunu Chocolates does not disappoint.

Consider the delightful Espresso Brandy piece, a cup-shaped chocolate filled with an espresso ganache to which a dollop of brandy is added.

Other creative ganaches include Absinthe Delight, Mezcal Chili and Prosecco Ganache, along with Organic Raspberry, bursting with fresh fruit.

If you order an assortment online, the ordering system gives you no opportunity to select individual pieces. But you can call or e-mail, and Nunu Chocolates will work with you to fill your box with the flavors you like.

We can’t wait to try more of these chocolate confections, including Soft Caramel Star Lollipops (star-shaped chocolate lollipops filled with caramel) and Chocolate-Covered Grahams With Fleur de Sel. An embarrassment of riches!

*Prices and product availability are verified at publication but are subject to change. Shipping is additional. These items are offered by a third party and THE NIBBLE has no relationship with them. Purchase information is provided as a reader convenience.

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